An enhancement to speed estimation using single loop detectors

Wei Hua Lin, J. Dahlgren, Hong Huo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Speed estimation plays an important role in many components in intelligent transportation systems (ITS). In practice, traffic data from single loop detectors are one of the dominant data sources. Speed estimation from single loop detectors is mainly based on occupancy data, a conversion factor from occupancy to density (which is potentially related to the vehicle length), and the assumed relationship between flow, speed, and density. This paper investigates the discrepancy between the speed estimated with single loops and the speed estimated with double loops. It was found that the discrepancy between the two is mainly caused by the high variance in vehicle pace, which, especially under congested traffic, is often accompanied with the high skewness. Accuracy can be improved by computing occupancy in a different way, using the median vehicle passage time over the detector as opposed to the mean vehicle passage time often used in the conventional method. The performance of the enhanced speed estimation method is very promising. The use of the median vehicle passage time reduces the skewness of pace data.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2003 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, ITSC 2003
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages417-422
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)0780381254
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Event2003 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, ITSC 2003 - Shanghai, China
Duration: Oct 12 2003Oct 15 2003

Publication series

NameIEEE Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, Proceedings, ITSC
Volume1

Other

Other2003 IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems, ITSC 2003
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShanghai
Period10/12/0310/15/03

Keywords

  • Traffic sensors
  • traffic control
  • traffic flow theory
  • traffic management systems
  • traveler information systems

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Automotive Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications

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